How you can be aware of poor air quality

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – The warmer months are here and with that we like to spend more time outside.

And while you might think you’re being exposed to clean air while you’re outside, whether you’re at a ball game or grilling on the patio, a new State of Air report says it might not be as safe as you think.

You have your shoes laced up and you’re ready to exercise for the day…but do you ever think about the air quality beforehand? Well, just like the U.V. or pollen index, there is an air quality index which can really help your health.

So, the Environmental Protection Agency and National Weather Service are urging you to stay in tune with air quality for ‘National Air Quality’ week and here are a few key points.

Air Quality is important at every age, from children to healthy adults

It might not seem like anything bad is happening, but air particles can lead to coughing, difficult or painful breathing. And, if you have asthma or heart disease, it can aggravate that leading to troublesome conditions.

According to information released by the American Lung Association nearly 150 million people live in areas where air quality remains unhealthy, almost 16 million more than last year’s report.

You can find the air quality index for your area by going to this website.